I spent some time handling the M18 and it's everything that you would expect from a company like Mauser. The M18 bears many similarities to the Sauer Classic 100 XT, so it is very likely they share manufacturing facilities on these rifles (same parent company).

The rifle weighs-in at a svelt 6lbs 10oz with the bolt, so a bit heavier than a Tikka T3 Lite, and a little lighter than a Sauer Classic 100.

The stock is extremely comfortable with soft-touch inserts in the forend, and in the front of the pistol grip. The stock itself feels less plastic-like than a Tikka's and is nicer to hold.

The bolt is quite smooth, just like the Sauer 100, and the three-position safety is always accessible and easy to manipulate. The direct action trigger is adjustable and crisp, and the removable magazine holds five rounds.

The recoil pad also pops out conveniently, to provide handy storage in the butt of the stock.

As we just received these, we don't have any range reports of accuracy however it's safe to say that the cold hammer forged barrel will easily deliver sub-moa groups, just like the Sauer's.

The first batch of M18's were released in .308, with 30-06 to follow shortly. By mid-year, the M18 will be available in .243 Win, 270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag.

I spent some time handling the M18 and it's everything that you would expect from a company like Mauser. The M18 bears many similarities to the Sauer Classic 100 XT, so it is very likely they share manufacturing facilities on these rifles (same parent company).

The rifle weighs-in at a svelt 6lbs 10oz with the bolt, so a bit heavier than a Tikka T3 Lite, and a little lighter than a Sauer Classic 100.

The stock is extremely comfortable with soft-touch inserts in the forend, and in the front of the pistol grip. The stock itself feels less plastic-like than a Tikka's and is nicer to hold.

The bolt is quite smooth, just like the Sauer 100, and the three-position safety is always accessible and easy to manipulate. The direct action trigger is adjustable and crisp, and the removable magazine holds five rounds.

The recoil pad also pops out conveniently, to provide handy storage in the butt of the stock.

As we just received these, we don't have any range reports of accuracy however it's safe to say that the cold hammer forged barrel will easily deliver sub-moa groups, just like the Sauer's.

The first batch of M18's were released in .308, with 30-06 to follow shortly. By mid-year, the M18 will be available in .243 Win, 270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag.

Excellent value in a German manufacturer rifle.

Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Best Regards,

Omer

Thanks Omer. I sort of wished for even lighter calibers...or even the .243 in a varmint-weight barrel if it needs to be that. Before I'd even decide on the .243, I'd want to be 100% sure a heavy barrel version will likely never happen. I'd rather wait longer for a heavy barrel. Any mention of these rifles going in that direction? Something you can find out?